They carried out checks at high risk areas across the county

Police have arrested 171 people during a crackdown on motorists who drive after drinking or taking drugs.

The campaign coincided with the start of the summer when there is generally an increase in traffic passing through the county.

Officers carried out road checks at high risk locations.

Over the month, officers across arrested a total of 142 people for either driving or being in charge of a motor vehicle in excess of the prescribed alcohol limit, and 29 for being unfit to drive through drugs.

Chief inspector Peter Steenhuis from the Roads Policing Unit said: “I am pleased that our officers have been able to stop a number of irresponsible drivers from potentially causing harm.

“Drivers should never get behind the wheel if they have had alcohol or are under the influence of controlled drugs as they significantly increase the chances of harming themselves and others.

“Getting a drink or drug driving conviction could cost you your driving licence, and perhaps even your job, but worse still you could be responsible for causing someone serious injury or death.

“There is no safe amount of alcohol to have in your system when driving, so if you plan to have an alcoholic drink you should make alternative arrangements to get home.”

Kent County Council Road Safety Team leader Vicky Harvey, added: “Just one drink can increase the chances of having a crash, sometimes with tragic consequences for you, anyone you hit and their families.

“Likewise with drugs – it’s not just illegal but it will impair your driving ability.

“Both substances make it difficult to concentrate, to react in an emergency, to perceive accurately what’s going on around you and to judge properly the best course of action to avoid disaster.

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